The Phenix City Story (1955)

A crime-busting lawyer and his initially reluctant attorney father take on the forces that run gambling and prostitution in their small Southern town.

The Mob (1951)

Johnny Damico botches a murder case and is suspended from the force. In reality, he is put undercover to identify the mysterious boss of the NY waterfront who has murdered everyone in his way.

Above-average crime drama is tough and suspenseful with a great cast, but Broderick Crawford sure-handedly runs the show.

Halliwell*: "Tough, lively thriller with effectively sustained mystery and a serial-like finale."

Maltin***: "Crawford is tough as nails as undercover cop...Sharp dialogue..., good suspense in this combination crime drama-whodunit."

Pickup on South Street (1953)

A pickpocket unwittingly lifts a message destined for enemy agents and becomes a target for a Communist spy ring.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

 

 

A dedicated schoolteacher spends her nights cruising bars, looking for abusive men with whom she can engage in progressively violent sexual encounters.

 

Well-made movie with a male chauvinist message about promiscuous women, but worth the watch for Diane Keaton's outstanding performance.

Halliwell (no star): "Exploitative and very boring sex melodrama which doesn't even make one believe in its central character."

Maltin*1/2: "Sordid rewrite (by director Brooks) of Judith Rossner's novel begins as intelligent study of repressed young girl, then wallows endlessly in her new "liberated" lifestyle. Keaton's performance outclasses this pointless movie."